RABIES in Nepal is a serious issue. Canine vaccination is a key constituent of any rabies elimination strategy, and according to World 午夜福利1000集合 Organization guidelines, at least 70 per cent of dogs in an area must be covered. Regular revaccination is also needed as unprotected animals migrate into areas. There are several animal welfare organisations and societies in Nepal undertaking vaccination campaigns. However, there is no way of easily knowing who has vaccinated dogs, where and when.
Hence the Dog Data website was created to offer a more coordinated approach, with obvious benefits for Nepal鈥檚 human population. Launched by Jim Pearson of the Himalayan Animal Treatment Centre charity, it has been working in animal welfare in Nepal for 10 years, creating a central record of all vaccinations.
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Pearson had previously made smartphone apps that record dog vaccinations and upload the data to a server, allowing the Dog Data site to show individual vaccination locations on a map. Markers change colour when revaccination is due. The recording apps are freely available to organisations wishing to use them and publicly share their results.
The site currently also shows dog census information, and there are plans to add other kinds of data too. Data on neutering campaigns will be added when the details of these upcoming efforts are finalised.
There is no legal requirement to report rabies to government authorities in Nepal, making surveillance difficult. So a further target is collaboration with relevant sources to display information on canine and human rabies cases.
Public information websites are a new concept in Nepal but internet connectivity is good and the ambition is that Dog Data will evolve to become a widely used public health tool. Dog Data would welcome suggestions, advice and finance.
Barbara Webb, Dog Data UK
- For more information, please or email enquiries@dogdata.uk
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